Murray had won just one set against Nadal in four clay court meetings, but looked on course for a stunning win when 4-2 up in the deciding third set.

But the world No.1 hit back to win 1-6 6-3 7-5 in two hours and 40 minutes to move into the semi-finals.

Nadal will now face 12th seed Grigor Dimitrov in the last four as he goes in search of a record eighth title in Rome.

Murray made a blistering start, winning the opening five games before closing out the first set 6-1.

Nadal raised his game significantly in the second, before a stunning decider.

Wimbledon champion Murray got himself into a winning position but his challenge faded as Nadal fought back before comfortably serving out the match to stretch his record against Murray to 14 wins from their 19 meetings.

Novak Djokovic stayed on course for his third Rome title but was forced to dig deep to beat David Ferrer 7-5 4-6 6-3.

The world No.2 will face Milos Raonic in the semi-finals after the Canadian beat Jeremy Chardy, Roger Federer’s conqueror.